Letter: Union anniversary salutes 'Axle' members

During the last few years I have read numerous obituaries about real people who worked and retired from "The Axle". Also I have read in the Northwestern several articles and opinions bashing unions. Some of these opinions were written by individuals whose fathers worked 30 plus years at "The Axle". These opinions were mainly "anti union".

Well I'm proud to inform Northwestern readers that this year is the 75th anniversary of UAW Local 291. Local 291 is the name of the organization that serves past and present members and employees of "The Axle". I am proud to be a member of this Local that helped provide one of the best paying jobs and benefits for its members and families.

Thousands of members and their families have enjoyed these benefits throughout their employment and retirement. Through all the buyouts, spin offs, and restructuring, one thing that has remained constant is the commitment of the UAW to its members. A few years ago a new owner of "The Axle" tried to take away retiree health benefits. Only one thing stopped this. The UAW provided and hired the best legal help to enable the retirees to retain their benefits. I also think area merchants should thank Local 291 and its members for the hundreds of millions of dollars injected into the local economy because of these jobs.

RIP "Axle" retirees, your retirement benefits are intact for you and your survivors.

Also, shame on you "Axle" retiree survivors who bash unions.

Happy 75th birthdayto the current members of Local 291 and "The Axle".

Alan Sawitski

Oshkosh

ServingOshkosh Wisconsin

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Letter: Union anniversary salutes 'Axle' members

During the last few years I have read numerous obituaries about real people who worked and retired from